Mainly use cash! Apart from banks, it seems there are no currency exchange points in Ancud. However, you can conveniently exchange money at Chinese supermarkets.
1️⃣ Playa Puñihuil: Take a boat to Penguin Island (Pingüineras)
Travel agencies offer tours for 20,000 pesos per person, but if you buy tickets directly at the beach and take the boat yourself, you can save about half the cost. The island is known for its windy and rainy weather, and the tour’s departure depends on the conditions.
If the weather is bad, going out to sea will be prohibited. On the day I visited, the weather was not ideal, and only the boats before the afternoon were operating, with the boat ride lasting about half an hour.
Despite the challenging weather, we managed to spot a few penguins, perhaps just a dozen in total, on the two small islands.
There are two types of penguins here: Humboldt, with one ring around their necks, and Magellanic, with two rings. Both species are quite small. The area is also home to many other seabirds. Our boat guide mentioned that it’s currently the season for blue whales, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of them in this area.
On the way back, we made a stop at Mirador Piedra Run, where we had a stunning view of the eight-kilometer-long Playa Mar Brava beach. The wind was strong, and the water misty, creating a dramatic and memorable scene.
2️⃣ City walk in the city center
Around the Plaza de Armas, don’t miss the charming church and the two museums next to it. The Museo Regional is closed from Saturday to Monday, so I unfortunately didn’t get to visit; however, the Museo de las Iglesias is highly recommended, with an entrance fee of only 1,000 pesos.
The official walking route, as shown on the map on page 16, includes:
– Feria Municipal: Here, you can grab a huge box of fresh blueberries for just 3,000 pesos.
– Mercado: The second floor and along Dieciocho Street, you’ll find many affordable and delicious restaurants.
– Muelle: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastal promenade.
– Fuerte San Antonio: Explore this Spanish colonial fort, complete with many historic cannons.
– Playa Arena Gruesa: As you pass through the tree-lined path, the salty smell of the sea fills the air.
– Polvorín: A quick stop as you continue your journey.
– Cerro Hueihuén: On the way back towards the bus terminal, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view.
3️⃣ Isla Aucar
I explored this enchanting island on my own, but if you can join the travel agency’s Dalcahue waterfall tour, it would be a more efficient and convenient option. The tour includes several small attractions and costs around 20k-25k for a full day. If you’re not driving, visiting all the sites by bus could take at least two or three days, as the island’s public transportation is not very frequent.
A visit to Isla Aucar typically takes about half an hour to an hour. After crossing the charming wooden bridge, the path leads you directly to the central “square,” where you’ll find the quaint church and cemetery. The edge of the island features a pebble beach, often dotted with the large, stranded remains of jellyfish.
As you walk along the beach to the end of the island, you’ll come across a striking rock wall, shaped by the relentless force of the sea. This natural wonder is adorned with graffiti left by visitors from around the world. The island is also home to many myrtle trees, adding to its serene and picturesque atmosphere.
If you decide to go on your own, the Ancud-Quemchi-Aucar-Tenaún bus line offers one round trip per day. The bus departs from the rural terminal at 12:30, arriving at 13:40, and returns at four o’clock, passing through Aucar. The one-way fare is either 2,800 or 3,000 pesos, and there are price lists available on the bus.
